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McCain slams Putin in 'Pravda' commentary

WBIR
7:24 a.m. EDT September 19, 2013

McCain's commentary follows an opinion piece in the 'New York Times' by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 12: U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) testifies during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee July 12, 2012 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The hearing was focused on the ratification of the U.S. on T.Doc.112-7, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)(Photo: Alex Wong Getty Images)

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Just over a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin objected to the idea of "American exceptionalism" in a New York Times opinion piece over Syria and other issues, Sen. John McCain has penned a retort in Russia's Pravda newspaper, saying the Russian people deserve a better leader than the one they have.

"President Putin claims his purpose is to restore Russia to greatness at home and among the nations of the world. But by what measure has he restored your greatness?" McCain writes in the commentary, published Thursday on Pravda's English-language website.

"He has made her (Russia) a friend to tyrants and an enemy to the oppressed, and untrusted by nations that seek to build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world," McCain says.

McCain directly addresses the Russian people in his commentary, saying: "I believe in your capacity for self-government and your desire for justice and opportunity. I believe in the greatness of the Russian people, who suffered enormously and fought bravely against terrible adversity to save your nation. I believe in your right to make a civilization worthy of your dreams and sacrifices. When I criticize your government, it is not because I am anti-Russian."

BEIJING, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Russia Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on October 11, 2011 in Beijing, China. Putin, accompanied by a large delegation is in China to meet with his counterpart Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao ahead of diplomatic and trade talks. (Photo by Takuro Yabe - Pool/Getty Images)(Photo: Pool Getty Images)

Putin, too, appealed directly to the public in his opinion piece, published on Sept. 11, urging the U.S. to show caution over recent events in Syria.